Just a stone's throw from Frenchman's Creek, Kestle Barton was the perfect, hidden gem venue for their September wedding. "We wanted to capture that end of summer feeling; that last warm golden glow of fresh breezy summer, before a more indulgent autumn sets in," says Alex. Fusing simple natural elements with decadent flourishes, they chose a palette of deep petrol, teal and mustard-honey-gold blended with shades of sage and sea glass. "Even the venue - with its orchard, gallery, greenhouses and barns - beautifully held that subtle balance between grace and simplicity, what is refined and what is natural," says Alex.
Alex crafted much of the decor herself, from the stationery, hanging fabric signs and floral garlands to the table signs and natural confetti, which has prompted her to set up her own styling and creative consultancy business (serpentineshores.com).
The sun-spilled ceremony took place in the orchard and featured acoustic music by close friend, Josiah Mortimer. "We were blessed with ridiculously good weather so we basked in the sun, enjoying ice creams and cocktails," recalls Alex, whose ambient and carefully chosen playlist set the mood perfectly.
A clear-span marquee, styled with seasonal flowers and foliage in beer bottles and jam jars, with bundles of dried willows and herbs suspended above, hosted the next stage of the celebrations. A delectable buffet featured the likes of smoked Cornish mackerel pate, cold salmon, sliced chicken, falafels, stuffed field mushrooms, Cornish pasties, pulled beef and a local cheeseboard before a dazzling array of desserts including gooey chocolate brownie, pear and frangipane tart and wild berry cheesecake satiated sweet teeth.
The evening played out in a dreamy reverie, punctuated by feasting on wedding cake in the candlelight, dancing under the stars and a particularly fond moment for Alex. "During the evening, before it had even really gotten dark, a huge golden harvest moon rose over the horizon," she says. "Many of us gathered outside the marquee to watch perhaps the biggest and most spectacular moon rising we'd ever seen!"
Looking back on their atmospheric day, Alex is adamant about one thing. "There is no right or wrong way," she asserts. "Do what you need to do and feel what you need to feel. Let your wedding day be simple and heartfelt, with the two of you at the centre created in the overflow of your love."
Photography Enchanted Brides www.enchantedbrides.photography
Venue Kestle Barton www.kestlebarton.co.uk
Dress Annabelle by Jenny Yoo from BHLDN www.bhldn.com
Bridesmaids' dresses Coast www.coast-stores.com ballet skirts Needle & Thread www.needleandthread.com bralettes New Look www.newlook.com shoes ASOS www.asos.com
Make-up Amy Pike www.amypikemua.com
Groom's outfit Moss Bros www.moss.co.uk
Flowers The Cornish Cutting Garden www.thecuttinggardencompany.co.uk
Catering Alex Garbett from The Garden Cafe in Newquay www.thegardennewquay.co.uk
Entertainment Josiah Mortimer www.facebook.com/josiahmortimeracoustic
Copyright Wed magazine 2017
